I'm a TA and have a BA, but I'm still doing the level 3 assisting teaching and learning course. I started out at the school volunteering and am now covering full time, hoping that when a permanent job comes up the experience plus qualification will put me ahead.

The money is dire and you may never be employed by your child’s school (some schools make a conscious decision not to hire parents) but otherwise, go for it!

Our TAs are a real mix.

Most are over 50 and started as parent helpers years ago-washing paint pots/heading readers etc when their own children were little at the school. None of them have any qualifications beyond a spattering of O Levels. We also have a couple of younger TAs who have degrees and are doing the job for a year or two to gain experience before applying to teacher training. We also have two new TAs who have come via the college doing a level 2 then 3 TA qualification-working with us on a voluntary basis one day a week and then have been offered jobs once they’ve finished the course.